Lochaber countryside events

Top Five Must Sees

East Chia-aig Falls Scenic waterfalls with lovely local forest walks.
Steall Gorge and Falls Beautiful walk through the gorge unlike anything else nearby.
Loch Morar Deepest freshwater loch in the British Isles and stunning scenery.
Glencoe Lochans Lovely walks around the lochans and woodlands.
Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide A hidden gem near Loch Sunart, with seals, seabirds and otters.

April

May

13 May 2012 Introduction to Navigation: Theory.
- An introductory session inside on basic navigation skills. Time will be spent looking at the skills required to take out on to the hill for the following two practical hill days. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Booking essential.
12pm - 3pm, Grid Ref - NN 123729, Grade A [£10]
Contact - Jennie Abell, 01397 705922
17 May 2012 Ruins of Rhu
- Keeping our eyes peeled for sightings of the elusive otter, we first visit the “Soap Cave” then continue on the easy path past Rhu House to the lovely beach of “Port nam Murrach”. After a brief stop here we continue following the shore until finally reaching the lunch stop near the vitrified fort of “Eilean a’ Ghaill”. Once refreshed we will climb past the ruins of the old settlement from which victims of the clearances were evicted, before returning to the start via the “Cairn of Deep Sorrow”. Meet at Rhu Pier. Booking preferred.
11.30am - 3.30pm, Grid Ref - NM 627851, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3, children under 16 £3, family (2 + 2) £12.]
Contact - Angus Macintyre 01687 462983
20 May 2012 Introduction to Navigation: Practical
- A practical day on the hill covering basic navigation skills. We will be outside all day, not weather dependent. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Booking essential.
9.30am - 4pm, Grid Ref - NN 123729, Grade D [£25]
Contact - Jennie Abell 01397 705922
24 May 2012 Beasdale Circle
- Climb in gentle stages to enjoy the ever-changing views of this south side of the glen with, if we make it in time, the perfect vantage point to photograph the steam train as it trundles up the steep Beasdale hill. Soon the summit of "Druim Fiaclach" is reached, but still a deep gully has to be negotiated before reaching the picnic spot high above Loch Mama. The return follows the delightful wanderings of the "Beasdale Burn" with its pools of crystal waters and tumbling waterfalls. Meet at the long lay-by at the foot of the glen where there is ample parking.
11.30am - 3.30pm, Grid Ref - NM 716851, Grade D [Adults £5, concessions £3, children under 16 £3, family (2 + 2) £12.]
Contact - Angus Macintyre 01687 462983
27 May 2012 Introduction to Navigation: Practical
- A practical day on the hill taking basic navigation skills to the next level. We will be outside all day, not weather dependent. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Booking essential.
9.30am - 4pm, Grid Ref - NN 123729, Grade D [£25]
Contact - Jennie Abell 01397 705922

June

03 June 2012 Squirrel Scavenge
- Join the ranger on a fact-finding mission about our native red squirrel and hopefully (!) we may even see some. A guided walk with activities for the children. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Please book in advance.
1pm - 3pm, Grid Ref - NN 123729, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2, family (2+3) £8, family (1+3) £5]
Contact - Fiona MacLean 01397 705922
14 June 2012 Glasnacardoch Shore
- This circular walk has been re-introduced this year following a slightly altered route. Roughly following the coastline, we stay well above the slippery rocks until coming to a most unusual view of the "Silver Sands" where eventually we shall dine. The simple return journey climbs to the "Radio Mast" and wanders through the heather following sheep tracks until the start point once again comes in sight. Meet at the small car park at the Glasnacardoch junction on the A830.
11.30am - 2.30pm, Grid Ref - NM 675956, Grade C [Adults £3, children under 16 £2, family (2 + 2) £8.]
Contact - Angus Macintyre 01687 462983
21 June 2012 Port a Bhata
- This new walk climbs on the forestry track through the "Ardmolich" wood before joining the ancient "Silver Walk", which closely follows the shore past "Meall an Aoil" and "Eilean Dubh". A short distance on, we will lunch and prowl amongst the ruins of a once busy little village before returning by the same route. Meet at the small car park on Drynie hill on the A861 near Kinlochmoidart. Booking preferred.
11.30am - 2.30pm, Grid Ref - NM 716713, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3, children under 16 £3, family (2 + 2) £12.]
Contact - Angus Macintyre 01687 462983

July

05 July 2012 The Five Lochs
- Enjoy different views of the Small Isles as you tramp through the heather to the low summit of "Sgurr na Dubh-chreige". Although a mere 197m, this hill gives outstanding views of the surrounding land and the length of Loch Morar, one of Europe's deepest lochs. Enjoy the sparkling waters of the five lochs before eating your welcome snack by the side of "Loch a Bhada Dharaich" and perhaps tasting "Adam's Ale". Meet at the small car park at the Glasnacardoch junction on the A830.
11.30am - 3pm, Grid Ref - NM 675956, Grade C [Adults £5, concessions £3, children under 16 £3, family (2 + 2) £12.]
Contact - Angus Macintyre 01687 462983
08 July 2012 Commando Memorial Walk
- Oh! ye'll take the high bridge and I'll take the low bridge….. A walk starting at the Commando Memorial with spectacular views and exploring the High Bridge Walk. Meet at the Commando Memorial car park.
10am - 12pm, Grid Ref - NN 208824, Grade A [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Jennie Abell 01397 705922
10 July 2012 Squirrel Scramble
- Take a wander with a ranger around the Glenrigh Forest to look for signs of the elusive red squirrel before heading to the falls.
10am - 2pm, Grid Ref - NN 030634, Grade B [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Michelle Melville, South Lochaber Ranger 01397 705922
12 July 2012 Wildlife Crime Scene Investigation
- Help help! Mr Post the pigeon has been found dead. A young Sherlock Holmes is required to solve the crime before the killer strikes again! Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Booking essential.
10.30am - 12.30pm, Grid Ref - NN 123729, Grade B [£3]
Contact - Jennie Abell 01397 705922
17 July 2012 Secrets of the Old Fort
- Join a ranger to discover the history of Fort William on this walking tour starting from Fort William TIC. Walk finishes at the West Highland Museum for those wanting to learn more.
1pm - 4pm, Grid Ref - PH33 6DH, Grade A [Adults £5, concessions £3]
Contact - Michelle Melville, South Lochaber Ranger 01397 705922
17 July 2012 Secret of the Plate Rock
- This walk is different! Although in total less than two miles, the enchanting atmosphere of past days saturates the mind. Here we can indulge in the beauty and variety of nature, and who might discover the secret of the “Plate Rock” as we follow the route of the “old road”? Here too we may find sites of charcoal burning and all the while we must watch for signs of the elusive pine marten and otter as we wander over the skilled constructions of our forefathers. Meet at the old pier near Kinlochmoidart. Booking preferred.
11.30am - 2.30pm, Grid Ref - NM 694729, Grade B [Adults £3, children under 16 £2, family (2 + 2) £8.]
Contact - Angus Macintyre 01687 462983
24 July 2012 Escape to Pirate Island
- Join us on a boat trip to a secret island for some fun and games on the beach. For children 5-12yrs. Parents welcome but must pay own ferry fare.
TBC, Grid Ref - PH33 6FF, Grade B [£5]
Contact - Michelle Melville, South Lochaber Ranger 01397 705922
31 July 2012 Canadian Trail
- Take a wander around the Glencoe Lochans to learn more about their links to Canada.
10am - 12.30pm, Grid Ref - NN 105590, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Michelle Melville, South Lochaber Ranger 01397 705922
31 July 2012 Ben Nevis Rock and Telford's Locks
- A ranger led walk around the Caledonian Canal. Enjoy spectacular views of Ben Nevis and its neighbouring mountains, Loch Linnhe and Neptune's Staircase. Meet at the Banavie car park near the Moorings Hotel.
2pm - 3.30pm, Grid Ref - NN 112769, Grade A [Adults £3, concessions £2]
Contact - Fiona MacLean 01397 705922

August

09 August 2012 Old Schools & Stunning Vistas
- This walk begins with the easy walk along Loch Morar-side to the old schoolhouse at Brinacory, before beginning the steep climb to the viewpoint almost 1000ft above sea level. From here the views up Loch Nevis across to Knoydart, and further to Skye and the Small Isles, are breathtaking, and the forgotten camera will bring a tear to the eye. The walk continues on past Lochan Stole bringing you back to the start point at Bracorina. Meet at Bracorina at the east end of the B8008. Booking preferred.
11.30am - 3.45pm, Grid Ref - NM 725927, Grade D [Adults £5, concessions £3, children under 16 £3, family (2 + 2) £12.]
Contact - Angus Macintyre 01687 462983
13 August 2012 Squirrel Scavenge
- Join the ranger on a fact-finding mission about our native red squirrel and hopefully (!) we may even see some. A guided walk with activities for the children. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Please book in advance.
1pm - 3pm, Grid Ref - NN 123729, Grade B [Adults £3, concessions £2, family (2+3) £8, family (1+3) £5]
Contact - Fiona MacLean 01397 705922
18 August 2012 Morag the Explorer
- "OH NO!" Morag the Explorer's friend, Welly the Squirrel, has been caught in the Giant Spider Web and it's up to you to rescue him. "Let's go!" Problem-solving fun for the under 6's and their families. Drop-in to the Braveheart car park in Glen Nevis.
Starting anytime from 1pm until 3pm., Grid Ref - NN 120736, Grade A [Adults free, concessions £3]
Contact - Fiona MacLean 01397 705922
23 August 2012 Stones and Secrets
- Join the rangers as we drift through the multiple environments in an investigative wander through this remarkable corner of the Moidart peninsula. Enjoy your picnic at the "Secret Beach" with a little education on the local molluscs and bi-valves thrown in before climbing "Commando Rock" to experience the wonderful views of the rugged islands. Meet at Roshven Farm some 4 miles down the A861 (turn off the A830 at Lochailort).
11.30am - 2.30pm, Grid Ref - NM 720785, Grade B [Adults £3, children under 16 £3, family (2 + 2) £8.]
Contact - Angus Macintyre 01687 462983

September

04 September 2012 The Silver Walk
- This old favourite walk has been re-introduced following major repairs to the path. Starting close to the ruins of Castle Tioram, we follow the coast, always alert to the possibility of sea eagles or otters, until reaching the cairn at the foot of “Beinn Bhreac”. Here we strike up the hill to enjoy lunch with a view! All too soon we leave and begin the descent past the small dam which supplied the water for the old Dorlin House, to be greeted with a perfectly framed view of Loch Moidart and Eilean Shona before the final leg down the “Bealach Sgairt Dea-uisge” to the start point. Meet at the Dorlin Castle car park at the mouth of the River Shiel. Booking preferred.
11.30am - 2.30pm , Grade C [Adults £3, children under 16 £2, family (2 + 2) £8.]
Contact - Angus Macintyre 01687 462983
16 September 2012 Introduction to Navigation: Practical
- Improving navigation. A practical day on the hill taking basic navigation skills to the next level. We will be outside all day not weather dependent. Meet at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Booking essential
9.30am - 4pm, Grid Ref - NN 123729, Grade D [£25]
Contact - Jennie Abell 01397 705922

October

20 October 2012 CSI Halloween
- Can you find the murderer? Follow the clues to find out who killed Prickles. At Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. For children 5 - 12yrs.
Anytime 10am - 4pm, Grid Ref - NN 123729 PH33 6ST, Grade A [£3]
Contact - Michelle Melville, South Lochaber Ranger 01397 705922
27 October 2012 CSI Halloween
- Can you find the murderer? Follow the clues to find out who killed Prickles. At The Leven Centre, Kinlochleven. For children 5 - 12yrs.
3pm - 5pm, Grid Ref - NN 184620 PH50 4QH , Grade A [£3]
Contact - Michelle Melville, South Lochaber Ranger 01397 705922
29 October 2012 Halloween at the Castle
- Bring the whole family to Inverlochy Castle for a spooky evening of story-telling, halloween crafts, hot soup and lots of fun! Fancy dress is optional but please bring a torch as it will be dark. Suitable for all the family. Booking essential.
6pm - 8pm, Grid Ref - NN 118751, Grade A [Family ticket £8 (2 adults + 3 children), or £5 (1 adult + 3 children)]
Contact - Eilidh-Ann Madden 01397 705922

December

15 December 2012 Crafty Christmas
- Get into the Christmas spirit and make some cool presents and yummy treats to take home. At the Leven Centre, Kinlochleven. For children 5 - 12yrs.
2pm - 3pm, Grid Ref - NN 184620 PH50 4QH , Grade A [£3]
Contact - Michelle Melville, South Lochaber Ranger 01397 705922

Photo information

With the exception of Highland Council Ranger Service photos, all other images are licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons License.